We’re totally aware we’re in this Netflix era. But hey, it’s not surprising people still read ‘real’ books page-by-page. Nothing beats the magical feeling of being engrossed in pieces of paper bound to create another world where our limitless imagination is badly needed.
You might be thinking it’s a sad thing that book prices are now breaking the bank. It’s partly true but it doesn’t always have to be that way. We’ve rounded up those bookstores in Manila where books are always cheap. You’re welcome!
1. Booksale
Who’s living under a rock and haven’t heard of Booksale?! Seriously, this has been every bibliophile’s heaven. We don’t know about you but Booksale never lets us leave their store without the happy guilt of book-hoarding. They got 91 stores nationwide. Their selections never disappoint since they regularly update their assortment and do unbelievable price-downs.
Visit their official website for the list of branches.
2. Bookay-Ukay
If you think Maginhawa Street is just all about food, you’ll be surprised it also has this charming store to feed your mind. It’s not big but unlike the one above that sells mostly foreign books, Bookay-Ukay also has both the pre-owned and unused mainstream and independently published Filipiniana titles. This is definitely the place to show some love to the brilliant Filipino writers. And oh, we need to mention that the owner, Dan Gaffud, is usually in the store. Trust us, you’ll absolutely like him as a conversationalist.
Located at #78, Maginhawa Street, Teachers Village East, Diliman, Quezon City
Operating hours: 3 pm-11 pm daily
3. Chapter IX Bookstore and Gallery
The books here are a part of Gary Montenegro’s (the owner) ‘personal collection.’ He curates this shop by taking the time to study and reflect on what would really be interesting to his market. True enough, his recommendations are worth the hassle of commute! Meanwhile, this didn’t include ‘Gallery’ in its name for nothing. They also sell artworks that are too hard to be unnoticed.
Located at 3 Arasimis, Project 7, Quezon City
Operating hours: Wednesdays- 10 am- 6 pm; Thursdays- 9 am- 5 pm; other days- closed
4. Kwago Book Bar
This Czyka Tumaliuan’s Kwago is not your ordinary bookstore. It can also be a library and a venue for independent writers and publishers to showcase their work. They do have the affordable classic and contemporary publications. But then, a lot of self-published works and literary folios and zines from universities are also here to win your heart. You might think the novices are not worth the money, time, and attention. Well, promise, once you start flipping their pages, you won’t get enough. Yes, it just happened to us.
Located at Warehouse 8-A, La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City
Operating hours: Mondays to Thursdays- 8 am- 6 pm; Fridays to Saturdays- 9 am- 11 pm; Sundays- closed
5. JERVS/Mabel Pocketbooks Store
The owner of this bookstore who is well-known as Mang Ed turned his back at his engineering profession and embraced his love for books and book-selling. According to his blog post, he has never worked a day in his life since then. You’ll probably meet him at this store and you’ll be sure he was telling the truth. His eyes sparkle each time he recommends a book or shares witty lines from his favorite authors. Research-related books? Award-winning ones? Tagalog romance novels? Mang Ed got them and he assures readers from different walks of life are welcome here.
Located at 5-A No. 2, Basement, Guadalupe Market, EDSA, Makati City
Operating hours: 8 am-9 pm daily
There you have it! When will you take your feet to these blissful places?
